How to Apply for the CSC Scholarship at Peking University
Beijing, Beijing
Portal links verified July 2026. Universities occasionally change systems: if a link fails, search '<university name> international student application' or tell us via the contact page.
Admissions timeline
CSC/CGS round: opens October–December, and most university deadlines fall between January and April. Deadlines are set per university and per program: always check the current admission notice on the official portal linked above.
Typical intake: September; some universities offer a smaller March intake.
Manually verified against official admission notices on July 3, 2026. Other universities may also be open: absence from this list does not mean closed. We update this list periodically.
Peking University is a comprehensive research university strong in the humanities, sciences, medicine, and social sciences: a top destination for CSC applicants across nearly every discipline. With recognised strengths in comprehensive, Peking University is a strong destination for international students seeking the fully funded Chinese Government Scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year. This guide walks you through exactly how to apply for the CSC scholarship at Peking University, from choosing your program to submitting your documents online.
Peking University (PKU), founded in 1898 as the first modern national university in China, is: alongside Tsinghua: one of the country's two undisputed flagship institutions and a global top-30 university. Where Tsinghua leans toward engineering, PKU is the intellectual home of China's humanities, social sciences, basic sciences, and medicine, making it the natural target for CSC applicants outside the pure-engineering fields.
Its strongest areas span life sciences and clinical medicine, physics and chemistry, international relations, economics, law, and Chinese language and literature. English-taught master's programs are well developed in international relations, economics, environmental management, and China studies, while many science degrees are taught in Chinese with some English support. The university's research output and faculty reputation are exceptional across nearly every discipline.
A CSC place at PKU is highly competitive. Successful applicants generally present outstanding academic records, a focused study plan or research proposal, and strong recommendation letters. For research degrees, contacting potential supervisors early: ideally September through December: and referencing their specific published work is the most effective way to stand out. Never treat PKU as a safety school; pair it with mid-tier and provincial options.
The campus, built around the picturesque Weiming Lake in Haidian, is one of the most beautiful in China and carries a deep intellectual and political history. Beijing offers four distinct seasons, world-class cultural life, and excellent transport, with Tier 1 living costs that are largely offset by the scholarship's covered housing. Confirm PKU's department-specific deadlines and any application fee on its international students office website well in advance.
CGSIS Agency Number
10001
Always confirm the agency number inside CGSIS before submitting.
Typical CSC deadline
Type B typically closes January–February; some departments earlier.
Global standing
China's other top-two university and a global top-30 institution, especially dominant in the humanities, sciences, and medicine.
English-taught programs
Strong English-taught offerings in international relations, economics, and public policy; many science programs are Chinese-taught with English options.
Strongest departments & majors
City snapshot
- Climate:
- Beijing: four distinct seasons, cold winters, hot humid summers.
- Living costs:
- Tier 1 city: around CNY 2,500–4,000/month living costs (accommodation covered).
- Student life:
- Classic lakeside campus (Weiming Lake) in Haidian; rich intellectual culture and a large international cohort.
Scholarships available at Peking University
Scholarship availability is based on program type and province; always confirm on the university's international admissions page for the current intake.
Beijing, Beijing: living costs
Estimated monthly living costs (food, transport, phone, personal items) excluding accommodation, which the CSC scholarship covers via free on-campus housing or a subsidy.
The 7 steps to apply at Peking University
Confirm that Peking University offers your program at your degree level and supports the CSC channel (most accept Type B), then add it to your shortlist.
Identify a potential supervisor at Peking University whose research matches yours and email them to request pre-admission: an acceptance letter is optional but a strong plus.
Secure two recommendation letters from professors or associate professors to submit with your Peking University application.
Prepare your English proficiency evidence (or HSK for Chinese-taught programs) as required by Peking University.
Complete the Foreigner Physical Examination Form with lab reports in time for the Peking University deadline.
Write a tailored study plan or research proposal that references specific programs, labs, or supervisors at Peking University.
Submit everything on the official CSC portal using the unique Agency Number for Peking University, then track your application through to results.
What the scholarship covers at Peking University
Tuition
Fully waived at the host university
Accommodation
Free on-campus housing or a housing subsidy
Medical insurance
Comprehensive insurance for international students
Monthly stipend
Bachelor's CNY 2,500 · Master's CNY 3,000 · PhD CNY 3,500
Deadlines & timeline
Peking University sets its own deadline: always confirm the exact date on the official admissions page well ahead of time.
Application fee
Per program; maximum of 2 program applications.
University application fees typically range CNY 400-800; a few universities charge none, and a few waive it for CSC awardees. The CSC portal itself is always free.
Fee amounts verified against official 2025-2026 admission notices; universities update fees yearly: confirm on the linked portal.
Find faculty & official info
Browse the official website to identify potential supervisors and their research groups. We link to the official site rather than listing individual professor emails: always find current contact details on department pages.
Official websiteTips for emailing professors
- Reference a specific lab or research group and connect it to your background.
- Attach a concise one-page CV and a short study/research statement.
- State clearly that you plan to apply through the CSC (Chinese University Program) channel.
Need a starting point? Use our email-to-a-professor template.
Peking University CSC scholarship FAQ
What is Peking University best known for?
PKU is China's leading university for the humanities, social sciences, basic sciences, and medicine. It is the top choice for CSC applicants in fields like international relations, economics, life sciences, physics, and Chinese studies.
Are there English-taught programs at PKU?
Yes. PKU runs well-established English-taught master's programs in areas such as international relations, economics, environmental management, and China studies, alongside many Chinese-taught degrees.
How competitive is a CSC place at PKU?
Very. PKU expects excellent grades, a clear research or study direction, and strong references. Apply strategically alongside less competitive universities to protect your chances.
Does PKU require Chinese language?
It depends on the program. English-taught degrees do not require Chinese, but Chinese-taught programs typically require HSK 4–5. A free one-year Chinese preparatory year is available for some scholarship holders.
Does Peking University accept CSC Type B applications?
Most CSC partner universities, including Peking University, accept Type B (Chinese University Program) applications where you apply directly to the university. Confirm the current channel and the university's unique Agency Number on its international students office page before you apply.
Is the CSC scholarship at Peking University fully funded?
Yes. The Chinese Government Scholarship covers tuition, on-campus accommodation or a housing subsidy, comprehensive medical insurance, and a monthly stipend (CNY 2,500 for Bachelor's, CNY 3,000 for Master's, and CNY 3,500 for PhD) for successful applicants at Peking University.
What is the application deadline for Peking University?
Deadlines are set by each university and typically fall between December and April, with many closing by March. Check the official Peking University admissions page for the exact 2026-2027 deadline as early as possible.
What can I study at Peking University on a CSC scholarship?
Peking University in Beijing, Beijing has strengths in Comprehensive. Explore its program catalogue for English-taught and Chinese-taught options at your degree level, and identify a potential supervisor whose research matches your interests.
Figures based on China Scholarship Council program information. Always verify current details on campuschina.org and your target university's admissions page.
Related universities
Ready to begin? Read the full step-by-step CSC application guide or the complete 2026-2027 overview.